Top 5 men's contenders for the 2018 US Open

2. Rafael Nadal

The King of Clay Rafael Nadal is the defending US Open champion

The defending US Open champion, the current French Open champion and semi-finalist at this year's Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal is back to where he belongs - the top of men's tennis. A supreme warrior on the court, the World No. 1 would be looking to grab his 4th US Open title and his 18th Grand Slam overall.

Nadal has only participated in one hardcourt tournament this year, the Australian Open, where he was upset by Marin Cilic in the quarterfinals. With the Rogers Cup and Cincinnati Masters due to take place before the US Open, the Spaniard would be looking to bag one more title before the final Grand Slam begins.

Federer has withdrawn from the Rogers Cup, but Nadal might still have to beat the likes of Novak Djokovic, Milos Raonic, Juan Martin del Potro, Marin Cilic, Kevin Anderson and Dominic Thiem for the title, which would not be easy considering the hardcourt season he has had so far this year.

Having said that, Nadal would be one of the favorites going into this year's US Open Championship.